NHL Midseason Report Card: A Look At Ivan Barbashev
Has Ivan Barbashev lived up to the big contract he got this past offseason? Where has he been good and where can he improve?
1. Ivan Barbashev's Biggest Strengths
When Ivan Barbashev was acquired from the St. Louis Blues for Zach Dean last season, the goal was to get Eichel a partner-in-crime. Not only was he needed on even strength, but on the man advantage. The Russian forward has delivered on the power play, making the maligned unit better.
This season, Barbashev has three power play goals and a power play assist. He is one power play goal shy of his career high (2021-2022) and is projected to pass that mark.
Barbashev has also been a physical body, compiling 81 hits this season. He plays well into the Golden Knights's defensive philosophy, knocking around opponents with ease. The former Blue won't block many shots, but he can wear down opponents quickly.